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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Easy Herb Infusion Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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This recipe delivers juicy, crispy chicken thighs infused with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic and lemon zest. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700–900 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir until well blended.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture.
  4. Add chicken thighs to the bowl with the herb mixture and toss well to coat each piece evenly, especially the skin side. Marinate for 10-15 minutes if time allows, or bake immediately.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes. At about 20 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the thighs for even cooking, then flip back skin-side up for the last 10 minutes. The skin should be golden-brown and crackly, and internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Using a wire rack helps air circulate for even crisping but is optional. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. For a dairy-free and gluten-free meal, no ingredient changes are needed. Bone-in thighs are preferred for juiciness; if using boneless, reduce baking time and check doneness earlier.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, herb infused chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, rosemary chicken, thyme chicken, garlic chicken, lemon zest chicken

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-oven-baked-chicken-thighs-easy-herb-infusion-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/